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On June 22nd, the Zefhir light turbine helicopter successfully completed the first test of its exclusive parachute safety system when the technology was dramatically demonstrated over the Oristano-Fenosu airport. Zefhir is currently the only helicopter equipped with a ballistic parachute. Installed above the main rotor, the parachute is designed as a backup for conditions where autorotation cannot be performed. The landmark test has validated the use of ballistic parachute safety systems in helicopters for the first time. Indeed, such a test has never been filmed or documented in the entire history of aerospace technology. Military officials have unveiled a full-scale model of the Bell V-247 Vigilant UAV that has been offered for the Marine Air Ground Task Force Unmanned Expeditionary drone, or MUX. Shown for the first time at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia last week, the aircraft is an unmanned armed escort aircraft that can be both an offensive weapons system and a command and control aircraft. Bell claims the V-247 can carry an internal load of 2,000 pounds, and a sling load of 9.000 pounds. The range of the aircraft is reported to be 1,300 nautical miles, and can operate for eight hours on-station with a 600 pound mission payload. The maximum time on station is listed as 12 hours. The combat range is listed at 500-800 nm. Transport Canada has certified the newest Bombardier business aircraft, the Global 7500. Certification by the FAA and EASA is expected to follow shortly. The Global 7500 aircraft has accumulated more than 2,700 flight hours since the flight testing program began in November 2016. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!

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